Here comes the bride …

As we approach the prime wedding month, December, most brides have already secured a romantic gown that will turn heads, while others still have to do last minute shopping to find the perfect dream dress.

Vuyiswa Mothlabane, owner of Preloved Bridal Boutique, which sells pre-owned bridal gowns at affordable prices in Hyde Park, said every bride deserves to wear a beautiful gown, regardless of her income.

“We get dresses from other bridal shops who have sample dresses and want to resell,” explained the 33-year-old business owner.

“We also get dresses from past brides as well as South African designers who have samples.”

Among the dresses that are in the boutique, is a 50-year-old vintage gown belonging to a bride who is now in her 70s. The couple is celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in late November and decided to sell the dress to pass on the good fortune. “They’ve kept the dress for many years and it’s only now that they’re willing to let it go,” said Mothlabane.

“They want it to be bought by a bride with an old heart who loves vintage and wants to share in the beautiful love story and maybe attract the same number of years into her marriage as well.”

One of the most beautiful gowns in the shop, a Pronovias with an original price tag of R40 000, has a different history. “The husband of the bride selling the dress, passed on in a car accident about two years ago,” said Mothlabane.

“They had been married for a short while and he was the love of her life.” According to the owner, the bride is selling her expensive gown because she wants someone else to enjoy its beauty and create lasting memories in it.

“Even though it was a tragic event, in ttwo years she has remarried and she’s happy again but she did not want to keep the dress.”

According to the bridal stylist, for a good quality pre-owned gown, the minimum one must have is R12 000, but for a brand-new designer gown, R25 000 will get you the desires of your heart.

“If you are looking for a dress, be realistic about your budget,” she warned.

“Spend less on the dress and rather spend more on your diamond.” She added that a dress is only worn for a couple of hours and the diamond will forever be on your finger.

Here are a few tips from the stylist to all brides to be:

Makeup

Don’t cheat on makeup. A wedding is a shoot opportunity. Get a professional makeup artist and your makeup must be as natural as possible.

Underwear

Don’t wear bright colours on your big day. Stick to whites and nudes and invest in a good strapless bra or get extra padding on your dress. Try on your bra before the wedding to ensure you don’t encounter any problems on your big day.

Shoes

Leather shoes that you can re-wear after the wedding are best. In summer feet swell and leather breathes.

Hair

Choose styles that will keep your hair away from your face. Remember the photos are forever.